2014 - Indian Students Association

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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
WELCOME
7 Swaroop Joshi: A New Academic System, How to Adjust
and Settle
“Take advantage of everyone you meet”
13. Melissa Prax: The Checklist
- The Top 10 Things Do at OSU
During your time in Columbus and
Ohio State, make sure to take part in
these 10 experiences!
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9 Festivals, Fireworks and
Friends!
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A look at the events ISA holds
throughout the year!
2 Meet The Board
An inside look at the people who
make all of this possible!
5 Tejaswini Gautham: The
Freshman Experience
Tejaswini recalls her experence
as a freshman, providing useful
advice for incoming undergrads
and grads alike!
“I accept that it is okay to make mistakes”
The Campus Hotspots!
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All You Need: Apartments and
Utlities
An inside guide to getting all the
bare essentials once you arrive in
Columbus!
Check out some of the favourite places
of current OSU students!
20 Rec Sports: How To Get
Physically Involved!
The “Freshman 15” and the tips on how
to combat it!
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CULTURE
OSU Nashaa
OSU NASHAA
FOOD
wood-fusion dance team– where
emotion, dance, music and fun come
together.
24 Sankalpa
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A Resolution To Make a Difference
26 Hindu Yuva
Preserving and Promoting Hindu
Culture in the USA
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Columbus Grocery Stores
This full list of stores will make sure
you never go hungry!
31 Indian Restaurants
food at these locations will make
kitchen.
32 Calendar
A tool to help you keep track of
Getting Around OSU And Columbus
These maps will help you get around using
the CABS and COTA bus systems!
American and Indian holidays!
Vrishank Shah
Two Cents
Namaste,
Congratulations on being admitted to The Ohio State University! It gives me great pleasure
to present to you the latest issue of Sandesh, the annual magazine for the Indian Students Association (ISA). This magazine will acquaint you with ISA and Columbus as you embark on a journey
across the world to study in the United States. In particular, this magazine serves as a guide for
you need to know as a student: from getting utilities in the new country to all the “hot spots” to
hang out at on campus.
The Ohio State University (OSU) is among the largest universities in the country with 1700
acres of land, more than 60,000 students and close to 1,000 student organizations. ISA is an
integral part of the Indian student community on campus. Ever since its establishment in 1952, ISA
has been helping students in their transition from India to OSU with its primary goal of creating a
“home away from home” for incoming students. ISA has a dedicated base of members and volunteers who guide new students and help them adapt to the American culture, we provide airport
pickups in Columbus and arrange temporary accommodation for students until they have their
own residence. Our executive board organizes activities for students to participate throughout the
understand how ISA can help them. Our other events include various festival celebrations, cultural
lieves in helping charities here in the United Stats as well as back home in India. We have donated
close to $20,000 to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and the James Cancer Research Center. In India,
working towards donating more in the coming year.
Columbus and OSU. We hope that your transition is as smooth as possible. I encourage you to visit
our website at www.isaosu.com to know more about ISA and gain access to various resources we
have prepared for you before your arrival to Columbus. I sincerely hope that you utilize this orgaulations on being admitted to The Ohio State University and welcome to the Indian Students Association!
Vrishank Shah
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Meet The Board
Vrishank Shah
Mechanical Engineering
Kalyan Goparaju
Umang Sharaf
Marketing chair
Webmaster
Computer Science
Marketing & Events Team
Mechanical Engineering
Lakshya Arora
Aerospace Engineering
Marketing Chair
Journalism
Kartavya Ladwa
Sahanna Bhatt
Malvi Devanathan
Gayathri Veeraraghavan
Kristen Marrow
Treasurer
Events Head
Computer Engineering
Malavika Vasishta
Bagepalli
Secretary
Mechanical Engineering
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Rahul Chitalia
Marketing & Events Team
Biochemistry
Marketing & Events Team
Economics
Marketing & Events Team
Biology
Marketing & Events Team
Electical Engineering
Kushal Bhansali
Marketing & Events Team
International Business
Marketing & Events Team
Samir Thakral
Amala Neelamraju
Ranjiv Velliyur
Aditya Singh
Marketing & Events Team
Electical Engineering
Marketing & Events Team
Mechanical Engineering
Marketing & Events Team
Biochemistry
Marketing & Events Team
Business (Marketing)
Sponsorship Head
Mechanical Engineering
Tejaswini Gautham
Sponsorship Team
Aerospace Engineering
Jay Mota
Sponsorship Team
Chemical Engineering
Abhisek Rath
Sponsorship Team
Mechanical Engineering
Swaroop Joshi
Graduate Representitive
Mechanical Engineering
Torsa Ghosal
Graduate Representitive
English Literature
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Ravi Bhatt
Creative Design Chair
Psychology/Neuroscience
Nihar Vakil
Events Advisor
Chemical Engineering
Siddharth Seshan
Student Advisor
Enviornmental Engineering
Vishank Talesara
Events Engineer
Electrical/Computer Engineering
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THE FRESHMAN EXPERIENCE
Tejaswini Gautham
THE FRESHMAN EXPERIENCE: I received my letter of acceptance from The Ohio State University on
January 1, 2013. I will always remember it as the best New Year gift I ever got because the value
of this opportunity is unmatched to anything else. After one great year at Ohio State, I feel more
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friends from her city (in the US) and I felt a little lost. It is a very big university and that is what
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helped me around a little. The two days passed by with not too much hassle. But then came along
the most important part: attending classes.
sessions, parties together. The challenges we faced then do not seem so hard so now. If there is
am a part of and especially Indian Students Association. My freshman year has been awesome!
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A NEW ACADEMIC LIFE
HOW TO ADJUST AND SETTLE
Swaroop Joshi
Grad school in the US offers a great opportunity to expand your horizons and
pick up life skills. Coming from India, two years in graduate school or a PhD
program is not just an extension of the four years of undergraduate. It is a
lifestyle change altogether; it takes time to settle in.
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Go beyond grades
Grades are important, but analytical skills, research potential and relationships with professors are
equally important. This is different than the undergraduate career. Explore the possibilities of renected. Some masters program students may be planning to graduate by taking all course credits
(non-thesis track) but consider the thesis option. It is a great experience to be involved in research,
and Ohio State provides rewarding opportunities.
Take initiative
for addressing questions related to the course. It is a way to interact with your professors, and to
impress them that you are enthusiastic about what they work on. It is even a possibility to get them
interested in funding or advising you. Be considerate as professors are busy people. Build good
rapport with the advisor. It is easier said than done. You have to go beyond “I have done all the
work my advisor told me, what more should I do” attitude. Find new work and new ways. Discuss
your advisor does not always know answers to the problem you are working on.
Get connected
Grad schools in general, and big universities like OSU, are great places to get connected with peosome of them. You may feel that you do not understand much of what is being discussed, but some
are different than in India. Being well connected can pay in ways you could not imagine.
Balancing act
You might have stayed in hostels or in shared rooms throughout India, but staying on your own
nearly 8,000 miles away from home is a totally different ball game. You have to cook your own
food - and eat it too. Between keeping up with your studies, managing your household tasks, surviving the cultural shocks and severe weather, and keeping your parents back home less worried,
you have to do a balancing act. Use the large Indian community on campus and around to keep
connected to your roots. Keep in mind there are many others outside of the Indian community that
want to connect with you and show you around their home country. Take advantage of everyone
you meet.
Financial responsibility
students take up part time jobs at some departments, libraries, or cafeterias on campus. However,
more sustainable options are teaching, research, and administrative associate-ships. Talk to other
students from your department to know more about them. Many of us come with loans, and we
are always making a 60 x multiplication every time we spend a dollar. Being worried about the
years of your life. You will land jobs that will help pay off loans within a couple years. Money
comes and goes, but life experience stays forever.
Engage in community activities
Both OSU and Columbus have a rich Indian community. Take efforts to engage with various groups
and organizations such as Indian Students Association. Of course there are non-Indian groups too,
which will give you an opportunity to interact with the rest of the world. The American Midwest is
rich in culture and history. Explore the multicultural dynamics; make friends with locals, and other
non-Indians on campus. Best wishes for your Buckeye days.
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FIREWORKS, FRIENDS AND FESTIVALS:
ISA EVENT REVIEW - Melissa Prax
Indian Students Association
(ISA) puts on various events
throughout the year that celebrate the vast Indian culture.
We welcome the community
at Ohio State and around
Columbus. The purpose of
these events is to bond, stay
true to our roots, and educate
anyone interested in Indian
culture. Each year we continue
traditions and bring new ideas
to the table and are always
open to ideas from anyone, not
just our executive board. The
academic year 2013-14 was
A frenzy of games, music,
party, which is a welcome to
newly arrived students and
welcome back to upperclassman. This is a chance to get
connected with others in a laid
back environment. Attendees
events for the year as well.
Diwali
This year, ISA celebrated
Diwali for the second time on
campus and brought an even
year. The event was complete
and a variety of sparklers and
place in the Browning Amphitheater right next to the beautiful Mirror Lake.
options.
Before the school year even
Day is celebrated at OSU by
tion happens at one of the most
visited buildings on campus:
The Ohio Union. Live music
and traditional samosas are
served to a variety of incoming
and current students along with
faculty and staff.
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Buckeye Mela is a weekend
long South Asian celebration
where we collaborate with
Indian American Association
and other South Asian organiGarba Attracting hundreds of
zations on campus. The weekstudents and Columbus residents, a night of Garba at OSU end is broken up into cricket
and soccer tournaments, an
is something every one looks
inter-collegiate dance
competition: Srujan, and variroom bursting with traditional
ous after parties. Thousands of
Gujarati music. In 2010, Garpeople from across the country
ba won the “Most Innovative
attend the dance competition.
Event” on campus.
Holi
Holi
It may have been chilly on the day Holi was celebrated in Columbus, but it was not short of action.
ans attended and were able to get a small taste of what Holi in India is.
The India vs. Sri Lanka cricket match marked one of the few times college students woke up early.
The match aired on a big screen and allowed fans to be surrounded by those rooting for the same
team. Our goal is to help relieve homesickness, and combine Ohio State with Indian traditions.
Thus, a variety of students from different backgrounds and nationalities usually attend our events.
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All You Need: Apartments and Utlities
Moving to another country is a tedious process. Your environment, friends, language, atmosphere and even the phone number can change! Here are a few guidelines on how to get some life essentials at OSU campus.
Apartment:
Finding a good apartment is essential for a good life here at OSU. As soon as you
come here, try and start searching for apartments! Most of the apartments have
been taken for the next year when the international students come. Still, there could
be many apartments available at the University Manors. Their contact number is 614
291 - 5001.
If it seems that chances are slim with these, ask around! Create a network among
friends regarding this. You never know- friends might know someone who is looking
for roommates! While signing a lease, get it reviewed free by student Housing Clinic
at Moritz College of Law. If you need a revision for the same, ask ISA friends to do
so. If you need a co-signer, you can also ask ISA friends to help you with that. Here
is a list of some other property managements to take a look at.
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Phone connection:
This is the most crucial service to get! Some companies, like AT&T require the customers to have a social security number (SSN). Thus, the best option for an international
student would be to open an account with T-mobile and get additional perks of being an ISA member. While you get a connection, keep in mind how many times will
you be talking to people and buy a plan accordingly. Ignore the prices of the plans
as talking to parents and friends are the most important thing as an international
student! Some companies also give free phones when you buy the plan with them.
Keep an eye for that, too!
Internet:
When you get an apartment, you will need internet access. Some properties offer
free internet access; but if you are living with another friends, it will get hard since
they only provide one internet port. Get a good offer on Time Warner cable. It is
regarded as the fastest and easiest internet. Visit www.timewarnercable.com and
choose the best plan for you!
Bank account:
Getting a bank account is a tricky process. The major local bank is 5/3 bank which
gives ISA members additional perks on top of the regular offers they give to people
who open their account. Just let them know that you are ISA member and you will
get two free wire transfers per billing cycle. There are also other national banks like
Chase Bank and PNC on High St.
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The Checklist: The Top 10
Things To DO, SEE, and
EXPLORE at Ohio State/
Columbus
Melissa Prax
I never knew what Columbus and OSU had to offer before I came to Ohio State. In the three years
lumbus.
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1. Welcome Week
The week before classes start is loved by incoming and current students for the free giveaways,
food, and games. Each day is jam packed with activities all over campus including wet obstacle
on the Oval. It is a great way to see which clubs you might want to join and again get free givesay hi.
2. Brutus
hiding. The most iconic is the metal Brutus bench at the Ohio Union where many people use as a
meeting spot or photo opportunity.
3. Football games
of the most acclaimed college marching bands that will entertain you before the show and at half
4. Explore the Short North.
dozens of restaurants, shops, and events that take place in the district. It spreads all the way to
downtown.
in a couple of minutes.
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5. D-Tix
port Music Hall to perform. This is a great way to see local bands and try out different types of
music. The hall is located right across from The Ohio Union, at the center of campus, so it is easily
in walking distance.
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6. Mirror Lake Jump
Mirror Lake is a beautiful body of water on campus, but at the end of football season thousands of
students jump in. Our main rivalry is the University of Michigan, and people love to get crazy the
week before the game. The water is oftentimes freezing and in the past it has snowed, but it is a lot
of fun with friends and a memory that will last a lifetime.
7. North Market
8. Gardens
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9. Adventure Recreation Center (ARC)
The ARC has an indoor rock-climbing wall and is one of the places on campus to work out. The
ing equipment through the OAC.
10. Orton Hall
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FAVORITE CAMPUS LOCALES
18th Ave. Library. It is a quiet place to go
study
The Ohio Union is where a lot of our events
take place, late nights are spent, and home to
The Wexner Medical Center. In the summer, there are followmy the fountain and do homework when I have class nearby.
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RPAC. I love the Scarlet Walkway that overlooks Ohio Stadium and the variety of options
to work out.
The Oval. Where else can you walk up to a random spot in public, lay there for hours doing nothing, and still be considered a normal person?
The Ohio Stadium. The crowd that is attracted
during football games is incerdible . It is also
where graduation happens!
low - key place to chill and get your work done, look
no further! Also, the coffee is some of the best at OSU!
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Rec Sports
Sabarinath Sankaranarayanan
1. What is the Freshman15?
Usually, freshmen (anybody with less than 45 credit hours as an undergraduate) who enter Ohio
State are projected to gain a total of 15 pounds over 9 months of schooling. This happens due to
imbalance in nutrition especially since not many are aware of the right combinations of diets and
recreation facilities available on campus and high street.
2. What is the best way to combat it?
Use the facilities around you – simple! OSU has the RPAC, JO South, JO North and the ARC which
have abundant machines and facilities for a healthy living. On a personal level, this is my routine
for 6 days of the week – use the cardio machines at the RPAC to burn 400-500 calories, then go
and lift weights depending on what part of the body I am working out. OSU has a huge popularecreation center. The basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts at the RPAC and JO provide
other sources of recreation to me. For soccer fans like me, the ARC offers two indoor turfs where
we, ISA, have hosted several tournaments.
A Buckeye has to complete three sporting traditions at OSU - watch a football game at the
Horsheshoe with 105,000 fellow fans, take part in an intramural tournament such as soccer and
These are requisites just like classes to showcase the Buckeye pride and a student at graduation
seeks pride in having completed these.
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I would also recommend everyone to use the recreation centers effectively. They are not only a
place to work out, but a location where one can hang out with friends. The ice skating center at
discounts are given to Student ID holders and on special occasions, is FREE. I am not a big fan of
ice skating but Ohio State ensures that students like me have other facilities available like mountain climbing at the ARC (trust me, this is the best place to “chill” with buds) and beach volleyball
courts on North Campus.
Also, Buckeyes play cricket in West Campus! Sometimes, factors like these play a massive role in
feeling at home at Columbus. I have loved it here with my work outs, intramurals and rock climb-
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OSU NASHAA
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Sankalpa
A Resolution to Make a Difference
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Hindu Yuva @ OSU
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The Hindu civilization is one of the few ancient civilizations which still continue to thrive, and
have an unbroken chain of several thousands of years of history, culture and heritage. The
modern American is trying to derive inspiration from this civilization in the form of Yoga,
meditation, health sciences, and various other movements. As a result, a great deal of
responsibility lies today on the shoulders of young Hindus in America, to share the culture and
its universal values with the wider American audience. Hindu YUVA, deriving inspiration from
this ancient knowledge, aims to provide a platform to preserve, practice, promote and protect
Hindu values by bringing together Hindu youth across college campuses in the United States.
Some of our core activities are:
Shakha: Hindu YUVA organizes weekly gatherings, called Shakha, at about 25 universities
across the country. Students gain knowledge about Hindu Dharma not just by listening to
experience: by doing yoga, playing games, having intellectually stimulating discussions, and
doing community service projects around campus.
Yuva for Sewa: We tie up with Sewa International to provide youth an opportunity to vol
unteer their time, while using their area of interest, to help the disadvantaged in the US, In
dia, and the Caribbean. Projects are designed for building leadership and teamwork, empower
Leadership Development Camps are organized to help youth realize and prepare for
still a sense of social service, promote leadership qualities, and help build a strong network of
likeminded youth. In May, 14 students from 5 campuses across the Mid West participated in a
weekend camp (see pic); the next one is likely to happen in September Fall 2014 people can join!!
Check out our website: http://hinduyuva.org.ohiostate.edu
Contact to join: [email protected],
Sai Tenneti tenneti.2 [at] osu.edu
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COTA Map (OSU)
Travel wise! Make sure the size and weight is within the airline’’s baggage allowance, and no resistricted items are taken in the carry - on bag. A list of such items can be found on the airline’s
website. Be prepared to off-load something in - case your luggage exceeds the weight limit. Keep
your passport, I - 20, and other relevant documents readily available throughout the journey. Do
not keep any important documents in chekced in bags.
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CABS Routes
CABS is the Campus Area Bus Service which provides convenient transportation
& Parking Services department. No ID or bus pass is needed to ride on regularly
scheduled on-campus CABS buses! Just hop on the campus bus at any of the bus
stops located on campus and throughout the surrounding neighborhood.
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Columbus Grocery
Indian Grocery Stores
General Convienence Stores
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Indian Restaurants in Columbus
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SPECIAL DEAL FOR ISA MEMBERS: Premium Membership Banking for Students
- You get a ZERO
- You get purchase satisfaction guarantee
-Extended warrantty
-Purchase assurance
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